In this episode, host Blair Corning sits down with Adele Rucker, SPR's Laboratory Manager and Abby Wharton, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)'s Wastewater Surveillance Coordinator to explore the growing field of wastewater surveillance. By analyzing wastewater samples, public health officials can detect viruses and pathogens circulating in communities—often before clinical testing shows a rise in cases.
Abby and Adele share the history of Colorado’s wastewater surveillance program, how it has evolved since its early days, and how samples collected from treatment facilities like South Platte Renew are processed and analyzed. The conversation dives into what diseases can be detected, how the data supports public health decision-making, and how researchers and communities can access the information.
From tracking infectious disease trends to identifying emerging threats, wastewater surveillance is proving to be a powerful tool at the intersection of environmental engineering and public health.
Find out more at https://parc-innovation-flow.pinecast.co